5. Skyrim - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
We begin on a high note. The land of Tamriel features in both Oblivion and Skyrim, yet 200 years apart, and it is easily one of the best maps ever to feature in an RPG. There are few developers that can create maps that are as immersive as Bethesda. The depth, attention-to-detail and diversity throughout the world of Skyrim are what makes it so special and goads you to play again and again. As is the case with most RPGs, you can only travel by foot, or fast-travel, meaning youre basically forced to explore every inch of the map. Of course forced is a strong word as the desire to explore should already be in the gamer. And theres plenty to be seen and found in Skyrim. There is a moment in Skyrim that I literally just stopped and stared, I regard it as one of the most memorably scenic moments Ive ever encountered in Skyrim. That moment happened on the journey to High Hrothgar, which you must climb the snow covered thousand steps to get to. As you approach the summit you come within eyeshot of the huge castle ahead, to your right is mountain and statues, to the left is the mountain precipice with a stunningly picturesque view. When I played through this section of the game I approached High Hrothgar at sunset, simply by chance, and the sight of the castle with orange sky, sun setting in the distance and several other planets as the backdrop, I was simply blown away. There are few other games Ive felt such awe with but Skyrim offers it in spades. From the snowy mountain-tops of Throat of the World to the impressive architecture of Ragnvald, from the city of Whiterun to the castle of Winterheld, the game offers countless locations to behold. All of which just beg to be witnessed, explored and revered.